TALLAHASSEE — U.S. News & World Report has named Florida A&M University (FAMU) as one of the Top 10 Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation. FAMU was also named one of the Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report in another ranking.

“It is an honor to be on the list for Best Universities in the nation and the list of top HBCUs,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson. “This ranking demonstrates that we provide great opportunities for our students through the efforts of dedicated faculty and staff.”

FAMU, which has moved up in the rankings from last year, is listed with top institutions such as Spelman and Morehouse colleges in Atlanta, Ga., Howard University in Washington, DC, and Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.

Increasingly, the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are an appealing option for applicants of all races. In the spring of 2013, U.S. News conducted its annual separate peer survey among administrators at the HBCUs, asking the president, provost and admissions dean at each to rate the academic quality of all other HBCUs with which they are familiar. In addition to the peer survey results, the rankings are based on retention and graduation rates to high school class standing, admission test scores and the strength of the faculty.

To be part of the Best Black Colleges and Universities, a school has to be currently designated by the Department of Education as an HBCU, a status created as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Additionally, the college must be a baccalaureate-granting institution that enrolls primarily first-year, first-time students and must also have been part of this year’s Best Colleges process.

FAMU has a long tradition of achievements. In 1997, the institution was selected by Time Magazine and the Princeton Review as the “College of the Year” when it beat out most Ivy League Institutions in the recruitment of National Merit finalists. In 2000, FAMU tied Harvard in its recruitment of National Merit Scholars, bringing the nation’s brightest and most promising students to its campus. The university was also recognized as the No. 1 institution for African Americans in 2006 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

Most recently, FAMU has been named a 'Best in the Southeast' College by The Princeton Review for 2014, appeared on the Forbes list of ‘Top Colleges’ in the U.S. for 2013, and recognized by The College Database for providing high-quality education at an affordable price in Florida with graduates earning an average salary of $41,000. FAMU was ranked no. 4 overall on the statewide list and No. 2 on the ranking of public institutions (2013).